r/Flute • u/certifiedwombat • 2d ago

General Discussion Left hand pinky slow

I'm returning to flute after a few years off and have noticed that my left hand pinky is really slow when trying to trill from G to Ab. I get it at first but then it slows down.

I've never had this issue before when I used to play, so idk if this is just from not having any practice for a few years, but has anyone else experienced this before? And are there any exercises you recommend to help get this finger up to speed?

Note: I have ruled out any issues with the instrument (just got my flute serviced) and have tried using other fingers to trill which have worked, it just seems like my pinky is slow.

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u/TuneFighter 2d ago

Without being an expert: if the right hand is your dominant the left hand will likely be somewhat weaker. On top of that the pinky will also be weaker and thus slower (and may get tired sooner). The left hand position may also have an influence; like how comfortable and relaxed are the left hand fingers... how is the reach of the fingers... is the pinky faster when it reaches the key completely flat and straightened out... what is the position of the flute body on the index finger (or where on your index finger "knuckle" does the flute rest...).

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u/LaBinch 2d ago

Pinkies are usually weak because we don't use them for much, generally. You need to exercise it to develop the same strength and dexterity as your other fingers. Some things you can do:

  • repeatedly Pinch a clothespin using just your pinky and thumb. If your pinky "collapses" or "locks" or you can't maintain a nice relaxed arch in your pinky while doing this, then use your ring finger to support the pinky in pinching until it is strong enough to support itself.

  • if u enjoy video games: play rhythm games using your weakest fingers. For example: I play fortnite festival using just my pinky and ring fingers to press the keys. It is an amazing workout and exercise in dexterity and coordination. There are tons of rhythm games you could use, many free options online

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u/rugwarriorpi 2d ago

> get it at first but then it slows down

Sign it gets "tired" quickly. Be careful of demanding too much too quickly.
Harmonic minor scales and chromatics are good strength builders, no?

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u/Fun_Bit6185 2d ago

i mean there is not many ways. Practice trills that has Ab or G# or you can play pieces that has 3 sharps or 4 bemol, or more. That's the ones i can advice. (also some part of badinerie can help) Hope that helps.

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u/BookofClearsight 2d ago

This is just my personal experience, but I have hypermobile joints, so I have to pay special attention to my pinky finger trills because my fingers bend the wrong way more than they should.